Tourism Minister Underscores Citizens’ Resilience in Jamaica’s Post-Hurricane Recovery

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts are a testament to the citizens’ mental resilience and emotional strength.

Additionally, he notes that the discipline and composure of the Jamaican people are to be admired, and have been key to the country’s steady recovery while maintaining order.

“I want to commend Jamaica to the world in this. As we move forward, we are confident that this recovery will be strong,” he indicated.

The Minister was addressing the MBJ Airports Limited Appreciation Breakfast held on December 13 at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James.

Mr. Bartlett noted that when the Category Five hurricane made landfall on October 28, approximately 25,000 tourists were on the island, all of whom were safely managed throughout the disruption.

“Is that not resilience? We, as an industry, are now ready and waiting to be the wonderful host and hostesses that we have always been, but more importantly, to re-emphasise the fact that Jamaica has hospitality in its DNA,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bartlett reported that Jamaica’s tourism industry is rebounding strongly, with nearly 300,000 visitors recorded just weeks after the Category Five hurricane’s passage.

“Cruises are now open fully because all our cruise ports are open. All three airports are ready. I want the world to understand is that we are ready at all our points of entry,” the Minister added.

Mr. Bartlett emphasised that tourism does not operate in isolation but relies on the combined efforts of individuals, institutions, communities and industries across the country.

Additionally, he noted that tourism thrives when social, cultural and economic systems function in harmony, and that the stronger these outcomes are, the greater the industry’s growth.

“So, I congratulate the team at… Sangster Airport that has made the moment of truth for tourism an exciting and enduring one. The team that has enabled that first contact that people make with the product to be a delightful and exciting one, so that we can enjoy and boast of a repeat business in Jamaica… at 42 per cent,” Mr. Bartlett further stated.

Chief Operating Officer of Sangster Airport Concessionaire, MBJ Airports Limited, Peter Hall, acknowledged the collective efforts of airport staff and industry partners in the aftermath of the catastrophic hurricane.

He commended the airport team for their resilience, teamwork and collaboration, which have once again positioned Sangster International Airport as the Best Airport in the Caribbean – an honour it has now received for 17 consecutive years.

Mr. Hall also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Customs Agency, and various security partners, all of whom played an essential role in the recovery process.